Batman (TCF TV, 1966-1968), David Wayne "Mad Hatter" Signature Practical Effects Top Hat. ...

Description

Batman (TCF TV, 1966-1968), David Wayne "Mad Hatter" Signature Practical Effects Top Hat. Vintage original practical effects prop hat worn by the Mad Hatter (David Wayne), consisting of a modified, silver-flocked top hat with black velvet hatband and curled felt and grosgrain brim. The top of the flat crown has been cut out and reattached with a hinge at the rear to create a functional lid attached to electrical wire and mechanical components. The mechanics concealed inside the hat could be hand-controlled and, when operated, would trigger the lid of the top hat to spring open, revealing a pair of penetrating cast-resin "evil eyes", the key feature of the prop. In post-production, special effects were used to show the eye emitting a "super instant mesmerizer" ray that rendered its targets incapacitated. This ingenious and iconic piece of practical effects props making was a staple feature of Jervis Tetch, aka the Mad Hatter's costume ensemble in the original Batman television series. Modeled after the character from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter was a supervillain scientist and member of the so-called Rogues Gallery. Known for his use of mind control and other manipulative techniques, the top hat was used to devastating effects in the two-part Season 1 Episodes, "The Thirteenth Hat" and "Batman Stands Pat". Measuring 11" x 6" x 10.5" and in non-restored, fragile condition, exhibiting heavy signs of production handling, wear, and age including brittleness and cracking to the grosgrain, rubbed flocking, staining, oxidation to the mechanical components, and loosening to the hinge lid. Mechanics and electronic components remain untested. Lot is accompanied by a custom-built fiberglass resin bust expertly crafted and finished in the likeness of David Wayne as the Mad Hatter, with punched-in facial hair, eyebrows, wig, and clothing mounted to a 12" bust peg with a 10" x 10" base wrapped in felt fabric depicting the Gotham City skyline and the Bat Signal, and a custom-made plaque identifying the actor and his character. Provenance: Originally from the Debbie Reynolds Costume Collection, acquired directly from 20th Century Fox in the 1970s; Private sale via the Comisar Collection, 2002; Profiles in History, "The Azarian Collection", December 17, 2019, Lot #1082. Comes with a signed LOA from the Comisar Collection. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From The Stewart Berkowitz Television Treasures Collection.

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